In furtherance of its antagonism against democratic governance in Rivers State, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) says it will not be part of the local government elections billed for Saturday, October 5, 2024.

The State Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu said this on Thursday, October 3, 2024 via a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The statement with the caption: “PROPOSED OCTOBER 5TH, 2024 LOCAL GOVERNMENT CHAIRMAN ELECTION” is reproduced below:

“The Nigeria Police Force seeks to inform all law-abiding citizens and stakeholders in Rivers State about the upcoming Local Government Election, particularly in light of recent court rulings.

On July 19, 2024, a Federal High Court in Abuja issued a restraining order preventing the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies from providing security during the Local Government Election.

Additionally, on September 30, 2024, the Federal High Court in Abuja delivered a judgment that again prohibited the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies from participating in the Local Government Election.

Given these circumstances, the Nigeria Police Force has been advised by the Force Legal Department that the ruling from the Federal High Court on September 30, 2024, takes precedence.

Recently, an opposition party protested, calling for adherence to the court orders and expressing their determination to prevent any disregard for the law. The Nigeria Police Force encourages all parties to seek appropriate legal redress if they feel aggrieved by any decisions or actions related to the election process.

The Nigeria Police Force is dedicated to maintaining law and order and will not stand idly by in the face of potential disturbances. Necessary actions will be taken to enforce the court’s orders. All Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and Tactical Commanders have been directed to ensure full compliance with the judgment of the Federal High Court.

In view of the above, the Nigeria Police Force has been advised by the Force Legal Department to comply with the judgment of the Federal High Court dated September 30, 2024, which bars the Nigeria Police from allowing, participating in, providing security for, or taking part in the Rivers State Local Government Election on October 5, 2024. All other security agencies are also implored to comply with the Federal High Court judgment.

In light of these developments, the Nigeria Police Force calls on all citizens to remain peaceful and orderly and to cooperate with law enforcement in upholding the rule of law during this crucial period.”

The Nigeria Police Force has over the years continued to demonstrate vicious antagonism against the Rivers State Government; in 2015, it was the then Commissioner of Police, Joseph Mbu, who seized every opportunity to harass the then Governor, Chibuike Amaechi.

On October 30, 2023, operatives of the State Police Command led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Adepoju Olugbenga fired water canisters on Governor Fubara and some officials of the administration at Moscow Road in front of the State Assembly complex.

Close watchers of developments in the State are worried that the Police in the State is bent on truncating any vista of democratic governance, peace and security in the State.